Abel's Bagels Brings New York Craft Bagel Tradition to Las Vegas

Owner Nick Pace says the difference between Abel's approach and that of larger chain bagel shops comes down to how the dough is handled. "I feel like the corporate bagel places taste a little too corporate, and there are a lot of corners that are cut. Those are the places that might be using frozen dough and steaming and baking," Pace says, adding that the result is "a bagel that's really dense, really chewy, and it almost becomes like a chore to eat it."

Pace points to hand-rolling and long fermentation as the keys to better texture and flavor compared with machine-rolled or frozen dough. All bagels are boiled and baked on site.

An elevated take on deli classics

Beyond a range of bagel flavors and cream cheese options, the menu features classic deli-style sandwiches that lean toward the unexpected. The tuna salad bagel, priced at $13, is made with sushi-grade tuna, Kewpie mayo, celery, red onion, lettuce, tomato, sumac and homemade relish. Juices and smoothies are $10, and acai bowls are $13.

Those juice and smoothie recipes are drawn from Pace's Long Island-based Nook's Organic juice bar. "We take this classic recipe [and] kind of put a little bit of a classy spin on it, so it's elevated," he says.

Franchise expansion underway

Pace is now working to extend the concept through franchising. The first Abel's Bagels franchise is scheduled to open later this year at Sahara Avenue and Fort Apache Road. He says the new location will be larger than the original and will expand the restaurant's production and catering capabilities.

"I love to express love through food. My goal is, I just want people to be happy," Pace says. Abel's Bagels is located at 150 S. Durango Drive, Suite 130, and can be reached at 702-516-4244 or abels-bagels.com. Hours are Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sunday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.